National News
Igbo Community in Abuja Ask for Building of Seaport in Soitheast
Igbo Community in Abuja Ask for Building of Seaport in Soitheast
By: Michael Mike
The Igbo Community Association (ICA), the apex socio-cultural body representing the Igbo people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has applauded the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his relentless and strategic efforts in advancing the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The group, while acknowledging this historic legislative victory, urged the Deputy Speaker to take a further bold step by championing the long-overdue establishment of a seaport in the South East —an infrastructural necessity that has been unjustly denied to the region despite its immense contributions to Nigeria’s economy.
In a press statement signed on Tuesday by its President General, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the ICA decried the continued absence of a functional seaport in the South East, describing it as an enduring economic injustice that has stifled business growth, inflated costs, and subjected millions of hardworking traders and entrepreneurs to undue hardship.
It however lamented the exclusion of the region from Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, arguing that this deliberate oversight has placed an unfair economic stranglehold on Igbo business owners, forcing them to endure the chaotic congestion and exploitative conditions at Lagos ports.
The association noted that despite being one of Nigeria’s most commercially vibrant regions, the South East remains without a single operational seaport, while other zones enjoy multiple maritime facilities. It recalled that Nigeria currently has six officially recognized seaports under the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), including the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa), Tin Can Island Port, Rivers Port Complex, Onne Port Complex, Delta Port Complex, and Calabar Port.
However, the ICA emphasized that only two of these ports —both located in Lagos—are fully operational, thereby exacerbating logistical challenges for South East importers who must endure exploitative levies, excessive delays, and multiple extortions while transporting goods from Lagos to the region. The group insisted that this economic imbalance is neither incidental nor justifiable but a calculated attempt to undermine the economic advancement of the South East.
The ICA President, Engr. Ezenekwe, called for immediate action to revive and expedite the long-abandoned plans for two strategic seaports in the region—the Obeaku Ndoki Port in Abia State and the Oseakwa Seaport in Anambra State. He described the proposed Oseakwa Port, located along the Oseakwa River in Ihiala Local Government Area, as a project of immense economic significance. He recalled that the location was once an active maritime hub during the colonial era, facilitating the exportation of goods, and stressed that the proposed port, situated approximately 285 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean, has the potential to revolutionize commerce in the region, decongest Lagos ports, reduce transportation costs, and stimulate industrialization across the South East.
Reiterating its stance, the ICA asserted that the absence of a seaport is not merely an inconvenience but a deliberate act of economic sabotage that has forced Igbo entrepreneurs to spend billions of naira annually on excessive logistics costs, multiple taxation, and unofficial levies along the Lagos-Onitsha trade corridor. The statement also dismissed the claims and speculations that a seaport in the South East would be unviable, citing the region’s massive commercial activities in cities like Onitsha, Aba, and Nnewi, which account for a significant portion of Nigeria’s non-oil trade. It maintained that if the federal government is truly committed to national economic growth, then establishing a seaport in the South East should be a priority, not an afterthought.
The ICA further warned that continued neglect of this critical infrastructure would only reinforce the perception that the South East is deliberately sidelined in Nigeria’s economic framework, thereby deepening grievances of marginalization. It stressed that the economic transformation of the South East is not merely a regional demand but a national imperative, as it would contribute to a more balanced and productive economy. The group also argued that easing trade bottlenecks through the development of a South East seaport would boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and relieve pressure on the already overstretched Lagos ports.
While commending Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his outstanding leadership and legislative accomplishments in securing the SEDC, the ICA urged him to leverage this momentum to push for the actualization of a seaport as his next historic achievement. It described the Deputy Speaker as a fearless and pragmatic leader who has demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate legislative processes to achieve tangible results.
The group also called on other federal lawmakers from the South East to rise to the occasion and collectively demand what rightfully belongs to the region, asserting that history would not be kind to those who remain silent while their people suffer systemic economic exclusion.
Challenging the federal government, the ICA demanded that its professed commitment to national development be matched with tangible action, rather than empty rhetoric. It insisted that the South East has waited too long for infrastructural equity, and that the time for excuses, delays, and political maneuvering is over. It warned that continued neglect of this issue would only fuel discontent and further erode the already fragile trust that many Igbos have in the Nigerian state.
The statement concluded by affirming that while the establishment of the SEDC is a significant milestone, it must not be seen as an isolated achievement but rather as a stepping stone towards a broader developmental agenda that includes the construction of a fully operational seaport. It urged Igbo political leaders, stakeholders, and business elites to unite and speak with one voice in demanding urgent federal action on this issue.
“The Igbo Community in Abuja has great confidence in the capabilities of our Deputy Speaker. We are proud to have him representing the nation in such a critical capacity. He has done remarkably well and understands the intricacies of legislative processes. We appeal to him to revisit the issue of seaports, as their establishment would significantly enhance economic activities not just for the South East, but for the entire nation.
“With the successful establishment of the SEDC, securing a seaport for the South East should be the next milestone. It will stand as another historic achievement. And the time is now,” the statement added.
Igbo Community in Abuja Ask for Building of Seaport in Soitheast
National News
AT SENEGAL’S 65TH INDEPENDENCE DAY:Nigeria Hails Strategic Relationship As Key To West African Stability, Economic Growth
AT SENEGAL’S 65TH INDEPENDENCE DAY:
Nigeria Hails Strategic Relationship As Key To West African Stability, Economic Growth
** Seeks deeper cooperation in trade, security, democracy
By: Our Reporter
The Nigerian government has described its relationship with Senegal as a strategic partnership built on a foundation of shared history, democratic values and economic interdependence.
This followed Vice President Kashim Shettima’s presence at Senegal’s 65th Independence Day Anniversary held at the Place de la Nation in Dakar on Friday.
VP Shettima had represented President Bola Tinubu at the event where President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal played host to guests from across Africa and beyond.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event in Dakar, Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said there were very strong bilateral ties between Nigeria and Senegal, noting that both countries achieved independence in 1960 and have maintained shared commitments to democratic governance and regional security.
Also on Nigeria’s delegation was Hon. Oluwole Oke, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
“Senegal and Nigeria have very strong bilateral ties. This has been as a result of our shared history and circumstances—both countries attained independence at about the same time in 1960,” the Minister stated.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised the need for continued collaboration in democracy, trade, and security between the two countries.
She said, “Both countries have remained committed to deepening democratic governance, values, and constitutional governance in the African continent. We have also jointly remained committed in the fight against terrorism and building strong regional institutions.”
The Minister revealed that Senegal accounts for 68.7% of Nigeria’s exports within the ECOWAS market—an indicator of Nigeria’s central role in regional trade.
“Senegal takes 68.7% exports from Nigeria within the ECOWAS market,” she disclosed, describing the statistic as a reflection of “mutually beneficial economic cooperation.”
The Minister also pointed to sustained high-level engagement, noting that “the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye was in Nigeria last year to meet with our President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to talk about areas of collaboration and cooperation.”
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed optimism about the future of the Nigeria-Senegal partnership, expressing hope that both nations will “continue deepening this economic relationship and enhance” their relationship across all sectors.
The event was attended by several foreign dignitaries, including Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, The Gambia’s President Adama Barrow and Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani.
In his national address at the event, President Faye applauded Senegal’s democratic maturity, reaffirming his commitment to deeply transforming the country.
“Now more than ever, we must harness this driving force to correct what needs fixing and to give shape to the aspirations of our people and the hopes of our youth,” Faye said.
These reforms, he said, include optimizing local finances, ensuring budgetary transparency, rationalizing public spending, and managing debt efficiently to safeguard fiscal sustainability.
AT SENEGAL’S 65TH INDEPENDENCE DAY:
Nigeria Hails Strategic Relationship As Key To West African Stability, Economic Growth
National News
VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Dakar To Represent President Tinubu At Senegal’s 65th Independence Anniversary
VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Dakar To Represent President Tinubu At Senegal’s 65th Independence Anniversary
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has departed Abuja for Dakar, Senegal, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the country’s 65th Independence Day Anniversary celebrations.
Senegal celebrates its Independence Day on April 4 each year, commemorating its freedom from French colonial rule in 1960. The day is marked by national pride, with ceremonies, parades and cultural events.
The Vice President’s attendance at the annual event is in honour of an invitation extended to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, following the strong mutual relationship between Nigeria and Senegal.
The independence Day celebrations will be held at the Place de la Nation in Dakar, with President Faye playing host to Vice President Shettima and other distinguished guests from across Africa and beyond.
The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria tomorrow after the one-day event.
VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Dakar To Represent President Tinubu At Senegal’s 65th Independence Anniversary
President Tinubu Laying Foundation For A Better Nigeria, Says Hajiya Nana Shettima
- Tasks Nigerians on constructive criticism of government actions, policies
By: Our Reporter
Wife of Nigeria’s Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, has scored the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu very high, saying the President is building a better Nigeria for Nigerians through his laudable economic policies, various empowerment initiatives and investments in key sectors of the economy.
And to help the President secure a better future for all Nigerians, the VP’s wife also encouraged the citizens not to relent in giving very useful advice to the government, urging them to be more constructive in their criticism of the administration instead of just attacking for political reasons.
Hajiya Nana Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, during the annual Ramadan feast, which had in attendance women groups and students
Emphasizing the determination of the Tinubu administration to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come, she said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is baking a new cake for us that are alive today, and for the Nigerian children and grandchildren that are coming behind us. It is who he is ably supported by our lovely First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.”
Hajiya Nana Shettima noted that the President means well for the people of Borno State as well as Nigerians in all parts of the country, even as she urged the citizens to always pray for President Tinubu and members of his cabinet.
“I can tell you that he (the President) means well, not only for Borno people but for the entire nation. We should not forget him and his subordinates in our prayers,” she added.
She further commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her contributions towards actualizing the agenda of the administration, especially through the Renewed Hope Initiative which she said has impacted many lives, including women, children and people with disabilities.
Also speaking at the event, the Director General of Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, Abuja, Dr Asabe Bashir, admonished women and the people of Borno State to imbibe the teachings of the just concluded Ramadan.
She also sought the people’s support and prayers for President Tinubu, thanking the President for picking his deputy from Borno State.
She said, “I always reiterate the importance of prayer because without prayers we can do nothing in life. We have just come out of Ramadan; let us imbibe that culture and lessons we received during the 29-day fast. We need to continue with the spiritual reflection.
“We should thank God and President Bola Tinubu for remembering the people of Borno State again by bringing the seat of the Vice President, not just to the North-East region but to Borno State after Ambassador Babagana Kingibe was elected along with the late Chief MKO Abiola so many years ago.
“We must continue to pray for the administration of President Bola Tinubu because if it succeeds, we succeed,” Dr Bashir added.
On his part, the Speaker, Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Tijjani Abubakar, thanked President Tinubu for his support to Nigerian youths through various youth empowerment initiatives.
Also, Dr Martins Ekunke, who spoke on behalf the South-South, Yoruba and Igbo communities residing in Borno State, commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for galvanizing support for people living with HIV/AIDS through her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Among those that attended the annual Sallah feast hosted by Hajiya Shettima, were the wife of the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Hajiya Maryam Lawan; wife of the Deputy Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Hajiya Laure Musa-Askira; female Commissioners and political appointees.
Also in attendance were women groups, members of the Borno State chapter of the Nationals Association of Nigerian Students, as well as the leaders of South-South, Igbo and Yoruba communities residing in Borno State, among others.
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